Generational trauma is better with cats.

This riso print is a reimagination of Katsushika Hokusai’s ukiyo-e woodblock print Yura no Minato Sengen Choja, also known as Niwatori Musume (Chicken Girl) from the 1815 picture book Ehon Joruri Zekku (Mixed Verses on Joruri Theatre).

The original print depicts a popular scene from an 18th century play in which Osan, the daughter of the rich but evil merchant Sansho Dayu, turns into a wild dancing and cackling chicken during a bout of generational karma-induced insanity as she tries to rescue her lover Tatebe, resulting in both of them dying tragically.

My version imagines a different life for Osan: one unhampered by an evil father, a captured lover or mental illness – but with cats.

A big thank you to Naoko Tagai for her indispensable help in researching the original Hokusai print and the story behind it. Naoko has been making her own traditional woodblock prints as well: 2024 marks the year of the dragon, and the 7th print in her 12-year series.

Riso printed by Risotto Studio.

Limited AP edition of 5, individually framed in repurposed, repainted vintage frames.

Loose prints also available in a limited edition of 20. See last images in gallery for difference in paper aging.

Limited edition riso print on aged paper

AP edition of 5 in repurposed, repainted vintage frames. Please refer to the overview images for the differences in size, crop, mount, hanging method and level of aging.

Loose prints also available in a limited edition of 20, stamped and numbered on the back.

Please note: each sheet of paper has been individually aged and will vary in appearance, colour and stains. Loose prints are classified as having mild or strong aging. Mild aging means a generally even tone, with minimal stains or blotches. Strong aging offers a darker, more uneven tone, with more differentiation in colour, visible texture, stains and blotches. See last images in the gallery to compare.

Loose prints:
20.8 x 14.8 cm (A5)

For the AP edition of 5, please see overview images for dimensions.

Loose prints will come in plastic-free packaging, but due to the fragile nature of the framed works, these might come in (repurposed) bubble wrap to protect them.